Exclusive Hawai’i TRAVEL GUIDE +Extensive O’ahu Restaurant/Food List!

Within the top 3 most frequent topics of direct messages that I receive, is the topic of Hawai’i. Most of the messages are either someone planning a visit to the islands and looking for my recommendations, or someone contemplating moving to the islands. Now although in the past I have written some short and simple O’ahu recommendation lists via features on outside brand websites or editorials, this is my first and only exclusive HAWAI’I TRAVEL GUIDE, which can be found – only here – on BALANCEDLIFEALOHA.com!

Q: WHICH ISLAND SHOULD I VISIT?

A: Having lived on the island of O’ahu for 11 years, the most juicy of details and thorough recommendations that I will have, are obviously for this island. I have only spent a small (in comparison to living on O’ahu) amount of time on the outer islands, so those recommendations will be fewer. Read further to learn more, so that you can perhaps make the decision regarding which island(s) is right for your visit.

Q: WHAT TIME OF YEAR SHOULD I VISIT?

A: Every season of the year has something different to offer when visiting Hawai’i. For instance, during the rainy months (Nov-March) you may witness natural waterfalls pop up while driving around the islands. Like on the East side of O’ahu through the Pali Highway, through the tunnels of the H-3, or perhaps the Likelike Highway. On the Big Island, there are certain times of the winter season where there is snow on top of the island’s high mountain volcano summits. The answer to this question, also depends on what your goals are, what kind of “vacationer” you are, and what you ultimately would like to experience. If you just want to chill out, bum in the sand and take in the Hawaiian beach scene – I would say that the spring break or summer season would be a sure bet for you since that is when it is mostly always sunny with warm waters! (Though these are also the “busier” times in terms of tourist seasons, so you’ll also have to take that in to consideration as well). Keep in mind also, that while hurricane season is technically from June-November; it peaks in August/September so you may want to think about purchasing some sort of trip insurance in case you have to cancel, etc. Basically, there is no sure-win answer as to WHEN you should plan a visit. That will always be a personal decision based on your desires.

The state of Hawai’i consists of eight main islands, but six distinct islands are open to tourists to visit. The main four being O’ahu, the Big Island, Kauai and Maui. Lana’i and Moloka’i are smaller, but still a possible option.

The main Hawaiian Islands contain about 1.2 million people, the majority of which inhabit the island of O‘ahu. Tourism is one of the major industries in the state and brings an additional 6.4 million visitors to the islands each year. The majority of these tourists come to Hawai’i because of the beaches and other ocean-related activities. Though there has been extensive anthropogenic degradation of the marine environment in the main Hawaiian Islands due to pollution, coastal development, overfishing, and military activity. (source)

O’ahu, “The Gathering Place” or “The Heart of Hawaii”

O’ahu is home to about 80 percent (876,156 residents) of the state of Hawaii’s total population. It is also where the state capital is located, in the city of Honolulu. In terms of size, O’ahu is the third largest island at 597 square miles. There are more than 125 beaches, which includes the famous Waikiki Beach and North Shore surf spots like Banzai Pipeline. O’ahu is a true mix of city/urban and country/beach – which seems to appeal to a wide audience of tourists, and perhaps also why it is deemed as, “The Gathering Place”.

O’ahu is definitely the busiest of the islands, which also results in vastly diverse cultures. You can arrange to visit places like Pearl Harbor Memorial, or the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn about ancient traditions, partake in some major world-class shopping (at the Ala Moana Shopping Center, Waikele Outlet Mall, etc.), and stop by local food trucks for gourmet grinds, or reserve a table at a high-class restaurant for some Hawaiian-style fine dining.

If you’re looking for a high-energy vacation with many different kinds of activities, O’ahu can for sure deliver on that goal. No worries though, white sand beaches and relaxing resorts tucked away from the hustle and bustle are also in abundance as well (check out my review of The Four Seasons O’ahu Resort).

Honolulu International Airport (recently named “Daniel K. Inouye International Airport“), has a wide array of flight options, making it an often starting point for island-hopping trips, too.

Maui, “The Valley Isle” or “The Famous Island”

As the second largest island (727 square miles), Maui earned its “Valley Isle” nickname because of the large isthmus that is between its northwestern and southeastern volcanoes and the many large valleys that are carved into the mountain ranges.

On Maui, you’ll find some more world-famous Hawaiian beaches featuring black, red, and white sand, the infamous “Road to Hana“, Haleakala National Park (this volcano forms more than 75% of the island of Maui). If relaxing is on your agenda, the plentiful beach resorts in Lahaina can offer that. World renowned snorkeling can be found at Ka’anapali Beach, which is home to Black Rock, boasting calm waters and frequented by wild green Hawaiian sea turtles. It was once named “America’s Best Beach”.

Flights to Maui (Kahului Airport) from the mainland are usually the second-cheapest for visiting Hawai’i (first being to O’ahu).

Kauai, “The Garden Isle”

As the oldest (geologically) island, Kauai is the fourth largest at 562 square miles. Its’ nickname stems from the fact that about 97-percent of its land consists of undeveloped mountain ranges and rainforests. Kauai is the second “wettest spot on Earth,” getting about 450 inches of rain every year.

For beach lovers, Poipu is a sunny town on the south side of the island with a population of only about 979 residents, but boasts a group of high-end hotels, resorts and one main shopping center. The beach in Poipu is also a common place to spot humpback whales during the winter season. Waimea Canyon (also known as “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific”) is on the way while driving to the infamous Na Pali Coast – a secluded state wilderness park.

Most flights hop from O’ahu to Kauai, but a few airlines fly from the West Coast in to Kauai’s Lihue Airport (although expect to pay more for direct flights).

Hawaii, “The Big Island”

The Big Island is the geographically biggest of all the Hawaiian islands (encompasses about 4,028 square miles) and still growing, thanks to the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea. Yet the island has a population of only 186,738 residents. The land areas of O’ahu, Maui, Kauai, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Niihau and Kaho’olawe could all fit into the Big Island’s land and there would still be some left uncovered!

You can literally travel through all but four of the world’s existing climate zones, on the Big Island. With everything from the tropics to the polar tundra – there are also lots of coastal scenery, coffee farms, and cattle farms, each boasting its own unique climate and industry. On the Big Island, you can spend time on black, green, and red sand beaches, as well as possibly witness flowing molten magma!

On the Hilo side of the Big Island, the Kohala Coast is perhaps the sunniest region (reportedly 355 days of sunshine per year). For the golf enthusiasts, you can find some of the most beautiful courses here too!

Due to size, there are two “main” airports on the Big Island – Kona International Airport in the west and Hilo International Airport in the east. Although, still, most flights from the mainland fly into O’ahu then take a 40-minute flight over to the Big Island.

Moloka’i, “The Friendly Island” or “The Rustic Island”

Moloka’i is the the fifth largest Hawaiian island, at about 260 square miles, and is the least “touristy”. You won’t find a building taller than a palm tree nor fast food chains. Laid-back lifestyle is the way things are on this island, and visitors commonly deem it as “the friendliest” of the Hawaiian islands.

One of the most remote visits to Hawai’i, would be to Moloka’i – which is one of the least populated islands (about 7,345residents) with the least modern amenities. It also has some of Hawaii’s highest sea cliffs and longest continuous reef.

The history of the island of Moloka’i includes the remnants of one of history’s horrific medical sequesters. Kalaupapa, which was Hawaii’s leprosy colony, is where 8,000 people were once sent into exile over the course of a century. Reportedly, six of those sequesters still reside there, though the law that banished Hawaii’s leprosy patients was lifted in 1969.

Most of Moloka’i’s residents have indigenous heritage, which makes it one of the most traditionally Hawaiian places to visit. Though no big name resorts, this island is a place for those looking for a true break from the noise of today’s society.

There are no direct flights to Moloka’i from anywhere outside of Hawai’i, so you would have to connect from either O’ahu or Maui – to Hoolehua Molokai Airport.

Lanai, “The Pineapple Isle” or “The Rugged Island”

The smallest inhabited island in Hawai’i is Lana’i. With a population of about 3,193residents, and an entire land area of 140 square miles, it is also privately-owned.

Most of the population lives in Lana’i City, which has a small collection of buildings in the center of the island. This is the only area of Lana’i that can be classified as a town, and there is only one school, Lana’i High and Elementary School.

According to official government visitor guides, Central Lana’i offers hikes among native ohia lehua trees, horseback riding adventures amongst lush valleys and ironwood forests, plus heritage site tours and more via UTV guides. North Lana’i has some stunning beaches and rugged nature preserves which offer a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. South Lana’i is home to Hulopoe Bay, known for snorkeling and sunbathing, or picnics overlooking Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock).

Most of the island’s population descends from plantation workers (once the world’s largest pineapple plantation, the island was developed in the 1920’s by James Drummond Dole – yes, of Dole Pineapples). Today, there are two world-class resorts (favorited by celebs like Bill Gates, Will Smith, and Beyonce/Jay-Z) on Lana’i, as well as a very renowned golf scene.

Lana’i is known to be an enticing and romantic island, given the secluded resorts and protected marine reserve. There is only 30 miles of paved roads, one gas station, and a landscape that spans from desert-like to stunning coastline with break-taking views all around.

With no direct flights, you’ll have to fly in to either O’ahu or Maui, and then hop on an inner-island flight to Lana’i Airport or take a ferry from Maui.

Niihau – “The Forbidden Isle”

Niihau is the seventh largest (69.5 square miles). It’s known as the “Forbidden Island” because it’s generally off-limits to all but relatives of the island’s owners, U.S. Navy personnel and government officials. There are a few supervised activity tours and hunting safaris that opened to tourists in the late 1980’s, but for the most part, the island remains fairly isolated from the rest of civilization. (source)

Kaho’olawe – “The Target Isle”

Kaho’olawe is the smallest Hawaiian island (44.6 square miles). It became known as the “The Target Isle” after serving as a training ground for the U.S. Army during World War II. Today, the public is still prohibited from accessing the island because it is not guaranteed that it is free of unexploded bombs. (source)

Respect the land and those who live here. Leave absolutely NO trash on the beach, nor partake in ANY kind of littering – this includes cigarette butts!

Support the local community by choosing to eat primarily at places other than corporate chains (like McDonalds, etc.) as much as possible.

If you are going to bring your own sunscreen – make sure that it is reef-safe, as Hawai’i is the first state in the U.S. that has banned sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Don’t damage coral – touching or stepping on it is harmful!

Respect private property. Though all beaches in Hawai’i are open to the public, do not walk across someone’s private yard to reach the beach. Use public accesses.

If you are given a lei, always accept and wear it with gratitude. Never take the lei off in the presence of the person who gave it to you – that is seen as disrespectful.

It is unlawful to bring any fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, etc. to Hawai’i as they could be harmful to Hawaii’s delicate ecosystem/environment. Any plants or animals brought into Hawai’i must be declared and inspected upon arrival.

Don’t approach or harass sea turtles, monk seals, or humpback whales. They’re all endangered species and protected by law.

Don’t honk your horn in traffic unless it is an emergency. Drive with aloha!

MUST-TRY:

Butter Mochi

Malasada

Poke (pronounced “POH-kay”)

Acai Bowl

Spam Musubi

Loco Moco

Lau Lau

Lilikoi Juice/or Fresh Lilikoi Fruit Pulp

Garlic Shrimp Plate

Hawai’i has one of the toughest laws against smoking in the United States. The “Hawai’i Smoke-Free Law” prohibits smoking in public buildings, including airports, shopping malls, grocery stores, retail shops, buses, movie theaters, banks, convention facilities, and all government buildings and facilities. There is no smoking in restaurants, bars, or nightclubs. Most B&Bs prohibit smoking indoors, and more and more hotels and resorts are becoming smoke-free even in public areas. Also, there is no smoking within 20 feet of a doorway, window, or ventilation intake (so no hanging around outside of a bar to smoke—you must go 20 ft. away). Even some beaches have no-smoking policies. (source)

Furthermore, the “Smoke-Free Ride when Keiki Inside” was an act enabled in 2018, which made it illegal to smoke or vape in any motor vehicle when a minor is present. Violators are subject to fines (fine amounts vary by county). Kauai county law only applies to youth under 13. In all other counties, smoke-free vehicle laws apply to youth under 18. (source)

OAHU//

A few years ago, Conde Nast Traveler hailed Honolulu as “The Next Foodie Frontier” while reporting on the upscale new wave restaurants opening up throughout the city. Today, this still couldn’t be any more true… which is also why my food recommendation list is pretty extensive (and honestly, most important – in my opinion).

FOOD/

HONOLULU CHINATOWN:

“First Fridays” has been an interactive social experience happening in Chinatown for over 15 years now. Of course during my college years, this was the place to be on any first Friday NIGHT of a month (ESPECIALLY on Halloween); but I have come to find that there are also family-friendly parts to be enjoyed before the sun sets. During First Fridays, streets are all closed off to vehicle traffic, and food vendors/restaurants come to life in a celebratory scene spilling on to the streets and sidewalks.

DOWNTOWN HONOLULU + AREA:

The downtown scene is a little bit perplexing. I used to work in a high-rise business building during my legal career in my early 20’s – the norm is for businessmen and businesswomen to walk to lunch during the weekday work hours. Small little shops on the street level of these high-rises are busy-as-can-be during these rush hour times. However, after about 5p.m. or so on weekdays, most tend to close, and during the weekend it can sometimes feel like a ghost town. That is however, aside from the spots that are ONLY open for the dinner hours (many on the list below). It’s confusing, I know, but if you find yourself in the area during any of their open business hours, I have a few recommendations:

KAKA’AKO AREA + “SALT”:

Kakaako is an up-and-coming urban neighborhood community transforming from a warehouse filled commercial hub to a residential metropolis filled with a wide range of restaurants, shops, street art, markets, and boutiques. “SALT” is a city block-long center filled with restaurants and retail space. Here are my recommendations for restaurants:

SHOPPING:

ADVENTURES + MORE:

Helicopter Ride – Nothing compares to seeing the depths of the island from the air! Helicopter tours fly over hidden waterfalls, historic craters, Honolulu, and some of the world’s best beaches. Paradise Helicopters & Blue Hawaiian Helicopters are well-known tour companies around the islands.

Museums + Art – The Bishop Museum is the Hawaiʻi State Museum of Natural and Cultural History. The Honolulu Museum of Art is the largest in the state and absolutely stunning! The Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture, & Design is a breath-taking mansion built by heiress Doris Duke near Diamond Head just outside of Honolulu. It is now owned and operated by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art (guided tours depart from the Honolulu Museum of Art).

Botanical Gardens – Foster Botanical Garden (14-acres) is located in the center of Honolulu city and is the oldest of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens; it displays a mature and impressive collection of tropical plants, some of which were planted in the 1850’s! The famous “Hitachi Tree‘ is located in the Moanalua Gardens – and is a monkeypod tree about 130 years old that tourists flock to visit. The Lyon Arboretum is a 200-acre arboretum and botanical garden managed by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa located at the upper end of Mānoa Valley (near the entrance to the Manoa Falls hike). The Kaneohe-based Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden Visitor Center is becoming a mecca for Instagrammers wanting to snap a shot in front of the Ko’olau Mountain Range at the entrance. In the North Shore/Waimea Valley, the Waimea Falls Park & Botanical Gardens is an area of historic cultural significance and a one mile stroll up through lush botanical gardens that lead up to the waterfall.

Kayak – Paddle to Na Mokulua or commonly known as “The Mokes”. Just make sure to check the water conditions prior to committing to this adventure! On a clear and calm day it makes for a beautiful and fun experience. *TIP: Head out early to avoid the afternoon rush if you book with Kailua Beach Adventures .

Hikes – Koko Head Stairs for a good work out, Diamond Head for a more relaxed beginners hike, Manoa Falls, which can be crowded at times, is a medium difficulty hike that leads to a waterfall, and hiking to Lanikai Pillbox hike offers a stunning view of the Eastside (and SO beautiful at sunrise!)

Snorkel – Hanauma Bay is very popular amongst visitors because you can rent snorkel gear right there on the beach! Closed on Tuesdays, and parking fills up fast, so again – PLAN AHEAD!

Waikiki Beach – More crowded, but calm waters and famous for gorgeous sunsets!

Moku O Loe Island “Gilligan’s Island” – Also called Coconut Island, this island’s iconic 29-acre palm respite, made famous by the tv show “Gilligan’s Island,” now supports world-class marine laboratories that you can visit. Tours fill up fast though so book in advance!

Shark Diving Tour – Hawaii Adventure Diving offers group and private charters, adventures to swim with sharks, snorkel, whale/turtle/dolphin watch – out of the North Shore.

–Road to Hana (Mile Marker 32, 2 miles outside of Hana Town, a sign directs you toward the coast onto Honokalani Road for about a quarter mile under large canopies of trees, sizable park, freshwater caves near the parking lot along a path that takes you down and up a short stairway)

LANA’I//

I hope that you enjoy your trip, and encounter nothing but the aloha spirit during your stay on the islands!

Thanks for reading,

x. Heather

*Disclaimer: Make sure to pay attention to any and all warnings and restrictions when partaking in activities, like the ones mentioned in this article. Follow officials instructions, do not swim where prohibited or in red flag/ rough ocean conditions and always take precautions and be aware of surroundings. This article shares personal favorites and is not liable for any possible damages due to mishaps. Also keep in mind that restaurants/businesses sometimes go out of business, so plan and check for updated local info ahead of using any of the listed parts as part of your schedule.